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A Sunday Struggle Virginia Smith seems to imply that her daughter’s atheism is a misguided act of teenage rebellion to be eventually overcome (Parenting Traps, April 4). On the contrary, the young woman demonstrates the courage to act on her beliefs despite family pressures and societal expectations. Surely it would mean a lot to her if her mother respected her budding individualism and assertiveness as she enters the world of adulthood.

Barbara Smith

South Hamilton

The real issue here is not whether the teenager attends religious services, it’s who rules the roost. If the daughter is part of the family and the parents want her to attend church, then she should be doing so. The parents should try the same line my parents gave me: “You live in my house, you follow my rules.” Parents, smarten up. Take charge.

KT Walsh / Danvers

When I was growing up in Brookline Village, I was involved in religion-related activities five days a week. I enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, times have changed. Teenagers have heard about students’ misfortunes involving priests and other clergy members, and it has tainted religion. Whom do they trust now, when the church that baptized and confirmed them represents and protects those who have done evil things? This saddens me deeply. Church should mean so much more; part of this responsibility lies in the lap of the church itself.

Felina Marie Silver / Brookline

Against the Grain Exactly how does Scott Haas think the discount he wants given to restaurant chefs who use less salt will be funded (Perspective, April 4)? I’ll tell him: by fining the chefs who won’t be using less salt. Does he really believe that government (local, state, or federal) will take the hit on the loss of revenue? Why is it the government’s business to get involved in the first place? We’re told it’s because the government incurs the cost of caring for the sick and overweight. However, it’s really just an excuse to dictate behavior and increase revenues.

Beverly Shea / Waltham

I’m not worried about salt in my food, but I am deeply concerned about what’s in the water in Cambridge. What makes residents of that community so hellbent to extract every small pleasure in life and either tax it or vilify it? Maybe chefs use salt because they know something the author of this ridiculous article fails to grasp. Salt makes food taste good, and that brings more people into their restaurants. But I forgot that profit has no place in modern American society. It’s all about “social justice.” Well, you can have my salt when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.

Greg Bates / Marblehead

I watch my salt intake due to hypertension and am always looking for suggestions on how to do so. In my opinion, chefs won’t cut down on salt because oods taste better with it. Watching Food Channel shows, I shriek in alarm as chefs add huge handfuls of salt to their dishes. On the other hand, have you ever tasted no-salt-added cottage cheese or canned corn, or unsalted peanuts? I have and it ain’t satisfying.